“At this point, we’re still trying to figure out the extent of the damage and what these people need,” Saunders said.

View full sizeAmerican Red Cross disaster trailers, damaged after the Dec. 20 tornado, have been temporarily replaced as responders work to reach those in need after a tornado struck the Mobile area on Dec. 25. (John Sharp/jsharp@al.com)

Spokeswoman Elizabeth Saunders said Wednesday morning that 4 people visited the shelter on Christmas night, although none needed to stay at the shelter overnight, instead finding room with friends and family.

“We’re going to see what happens today, because it’s cold and some people are still without power,” Saunders said.

She said the Red Cross is still in a “planning phase” following the line of storms that moved through the Mobile area Tuesday evening, producing at least one tornado – the second in less than a week. Since Tuesday’s strike occurred during the night, it was necessary to do the majority of damage assessment during the Wednesday daylight, Saunders said.

Red Cross assessment teams are currently visiting neighborhoods throughout south Alabama, she said, evaluating the needs of citizens who may still be without power and other necessities including clothing, tarps, water and shelter.

“At this point, we’re still trying to figure out the extent of the damage and what these people need,” Saunders said.

Despite minor damage to the headquarters, she said the chapter is “fully operational.”

According to Saunders, 6 substitute vehicles had to be rented from a local Sears store for teams to use in areas as far north as Choctaw and Washington counties, and points south. The teams vary in size, she said, ranging from “two local ladies” in the northern areas to larger groups in Mobile and Prichard. Teams are also headed to Tillman’s Corner and Wilmer, where severe damage may have occurred.

There are no plans to open other shelters as of Wednesday morning, she said, although that could change at any point as the need “changes every 20 minutes.”